This was such a fun experience. You actually get to help pull up lobster pots out in the bay. The…read morefather and daughter duo explain the whole process and teach you how to put the rubber bands on the claws. They point out different wild life and the views are gorgeous. The boat ride is not artificially extended for the sake of "getting your money's worth". It was the perfect length to get the experience of what it's like to lobster. The food cart and having your lobster cooked up fresh at the pier was incredible and such a lovely family run business. This is a great way to support the industry when hauls have been declining over the years to due to ocean warming. Definitely worth the drive to come experience this tour!!

You love lobster? You like wholesome? Don't sleep on this experience with Captain Dan, family and…read morefriends. I was in it for the hope of seeing puffins but not wanting to be on a huge tour boat. I chose this one also because it would give us the chance to "be a fisherman" and learn more about the process, industry of lobstering. Wait, I kid myself, it was totally about the FRESH lobster we'd get to enjoy at the wharf upon our return. This experience was the perfect 1.5 hr duration for us kicking off at 2:30pm. We had the most beautiful weather that still required layers for the chill in the air and splash of the boat ride. Speaking of boat ride, we took low drowsy Dramamine as a safeguard ahead of the trip, not sure if we really needed it or not because the boat was so smooth and steady even when stopped. Either way, a good precaution knowing how easily triggered we are getting by motion lately. Anyway, the last week of July we were SPOILED with perfect blue skies, a ton of seals, a ton of puffins and an amazingly sweet fresh lobster meal following the ride.

I really appreciated that this company has a guarantee.And they stand behind it.If you do not see a…read moresignificant number of whales on your watch, they give you a voucher that is good for another whale watch or another excursion , and you have three years to use it. The staff is very, very helpful and friendly and kind.And they work hard to make you comfortable. There are multiple warnings about seasickness,And if you decide when you get to the boat that you are feeling sick or you hear the announcement that the seas are rough , they will give you a refund or a voucher , your choice. The naturalist on board gives significant information and points of interest for all the different wildlife that you see , birds , porpoises , whales , seals , anything that comes up , they know a good amount of information and they relay it over a loudspeaker system. The pap a system could be louder and upgraded , but it is manageable. The cabin of the boat is very comfortable with large, comfortable chairs and tables.There is a deck with a galley where they serve drinks and snacks. They also sell hats and gloves if you're cold and drammine , if you feel sick. The admonition to dress really warm is for real , for real. It was about seventy degrees at the dock , but it was about forty degrees out in the middle of the ocean. We really did need winter gear to be comfortable outside on the deck. We found that as we get cold , we would add another layer and that worked really well. The deck has seating all around and safe rails.So you can stand against the rails , the boat speeds along , so you can get to a whale quickly , and then it slows down to a stop when there is a sighting of any kind of significant wildlife. When I felt sick after a good hour of a bumpy rough sea, which we were warned about , they immediately brought me ginger ale and a seasick bag. Unfortunately , on this trip , we only saw the back of a humpback whale , and then we saw a deceased whale. They took many photos and alerted researchers to come and find it so that it could be determined or studied how it might have passed away. They are very responsible and responsive to the safety and health of the sea life. Upon arriving back at the dock we were immediately emailed vouchers that we can take three years to use. That in and of itself is a guarantee to me that they care about their customers and want their patrons to have a lovely, well watching excursion.

Here are a few tips to get you started. 1. Get there early…read morefor parking (in yellow) pic incl. Pay at the meter for 5 hours which is about the length of the Whale watch trip and back, costs $20 bucks. There are other parking areas available. 2. Clothing, Long pants, with long sleeves shirt windbreaker jacket maybe even a hat, Sunglasses. Pack shorts to change into upon return temperatures will be warmer. *Trip out to sea is windy and chilly. Point here is to feel comfortable. 3. You can pack your own lunch and bring a backpack. There is a Galley on board the ship for food purchases. 4. Bring a camera (i brought my Insta 360 5X camera and a 3 foot selfie stick) and Cellphone and be ready to take pictures. *I have Boost Mobile and I did get cell service out there. *All in all be expected to pay a little over $100.00 per person for slightly over 5 hours ride. Two boats can go out at the same time depending on the crowds. Lines will be long and they will take your picture before you board, (A novelty idea by them to get you to buy a photo of yourselves after debarking). We opted out politely. *Note: We went to the top floor which was all seats. Expect to be chilly. Standing by the rails on top minimal room. Downstairs more room but more crowded, an enclosed area, 3 co-ed bathrooms and Galley. *Final thoughts: Having a physical crew member narrative at top on the microphone was actually a good way to pass the time and learn a few things about what we would encounter. We have a whales "Tale" to speak of when we get back home. The Review Guru* Long Island NY

Our guide, Stella, did a great job showing us the harbor, sharing history, and introducing us to…read morethe flora and fauna. She was very composed and we always felt safe. We saw a seal and lots of cool birds! There were some little ones in our group and when one of the kayakers got tired she help pull their kayak without embarrassing them. She kept an eye out for dark clouds, but the weather stayed perfect. This was a sunset tour that ended with the most lovely sky.

We were staying in the area and wanted to do some activities unique to Maine and booked a sea kayak…read moretour. We've kayaked in Florida and MN a few times but this was the first time in open sea. Our guide was fantastic. She provided instruction and the necessary safety info accurately and got us on our way quickly. We kayaked around one of the porcupine islands. We had to watch for large boats through the main channels. One side of the island provided choppy paddling conditions which was 'fun' and unique. The other side of the island was much calmer and relaxed. Our guide provided interesting tidbits of info about the island as we progressed. I kind of wished we would have had a few designated photo ops areas. I didn't really feel like I could take my time to get my camera out as I needed to keep up or didn't want to miss what she was saying. As a result, no one in our group really took any pics. The kayaks were in good condition. We wore splash suits to minimize getting wet. If you are tall, the kayaks will likely be a bit uncomfortable for you (hard to adjust the foot rests). Nice morning on the water.

Definitely want to make reservations in advance if you are going on the Sunset Cruise, as it will…read morelikely sell out. The Margaret Todd is impressive: 151' long and weighs 150 tons. Its four red sails make it easily identifiable from Agamont Park/West Street, and also from the top of Cadillac Mountain in Bar Harbor. Depending on where you sit onboard, you may need to be mindful of the crew's hoisting and lowering of the sails. The many buoys and markers identify locations of the lobster traps. There were seals and a few porpoises on the water also. Bags are screened before boarding for alcoholic beverages, which are not allowed to be brought on, but soft drinks and beer & wine are available for purchase. There are many boat tours & excursions to do in Bar Harbor and this one is recommended. The ride was gentle and the views across Frenchman Bay were gorgeous.

Beautiful day for a trip around the harbor, no you don't stay out for the whole 2 hours, but it was…read moreenough for me. Great crew. I do wish they gave you more info about the other mega yachts anchored there, but you can google it and find out. It's a touristy thing, but really, how often do you get to go out on a 4 masted schooner?

We had Caleb as our guide. He was amazing. So knowledgeable, interesting and friendly. It was a…read moretotally enjoyable afternoon.

One of the best tours ever! Paul, our driver was so much fun, and went out of his way to make sure…read morewe had a VIP experience of Acadia and at Beal's Lobster Pound where we had a great meal. Don't miss this tour!

A nice experience but left a desire for more sight seeing than what was on this tour…read more I loved the original rail cars and how the seats flipped or combined for the direction of motion we were traveling in. Water and snacks were sold or you could bring your own. Windows opened and the October breeze was a great temperature before the cold weather. Friendly rail neighbors were on porches or street waving as we went by.

My friend and I were a little disappointed with this attraction. While the service staff and…read moretrains are excellent, it is not really that scenic. It is 90 minutes, but half of that is the return, which goes through the same scenery you already saw instead of making a loop. Most of the scenery is woods. You do pass through Ellsworth Falls, but the falls are really small. The tour is narrated, which is good and they do pass old telegraph lines. I would recommend this tour to people with children or people that are interested in historic trains, not for people looking for a lot of pretty Maine views.

Folks, I don't really know what to say other than 'you just gotta come here!'…read moreI love this place! I came through on a hum last year, stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. Told Shirley (the owner) I would be back "next year" to help out, and here I am, Aug. 8th, 2019, sad to leave after spending 4 weeks in the grand teepee, helping out around the camp. Off route 1, into the woods, to grandmama's RV we go! But it is so much more... tent sites, group sites, great trails, and great vibe from the surrounding community. But what you really want to know is; this is a great base for exploring coastal Maine & Downeast. Now understand 2 things... Downeast is on the coast, but when the term 'downeast' is used, it is very much a reference to the culture of the folk who grew up and live here and have also known it through the generations of their family. Once you get here, you're in the thick of what "coastal Maine" really is without the crowds of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, etc.. from Cottonwood you will find within 20 mins. Never crowded beaches with all the beauty of those other places... and you can also make a day trip of getting to Easport or Calaise and just breath in New Brunswick! Oh yeah, bring your passport... One of the other things I love about camping here, are the various small sites that are suitable for bicyclers and bikers who travel with minimal gear and need to stop for short stays. Even though its right off the road, once in, you're cast into the woods! Oh yeah, and I can't think of another camp with such a great bath house along this route... Cottonwood Camping is truly a great experience and my pick as a base for exploring Downeast, Coastal Maine, the far north on the east side of the U.S. Shirley Cotton makes it happen! She is the BOMB!!

I can honestly say this place was easy to find and very photogenic. Easy to recommend.read more

super close to acadia, showers work great and are hot :) would definitely recommend staying thereread more

Drove in to take a look but fee was $6 per person from those out of town. We were looking for a…read morehiking trail which we were told they had one about an hour hike. It looks to be a campground and boating facility. We took a look around but decided not to stay.